How to Arrange Shot Bottles in a Glass Vase

Use glass gems as a filler between and under shot bottles.

Every party needs a conversation starter and a unique centerpiece. Combining the two into a functional presentation is a clever idea that will wow your guests. Display miniature bottles of liquor, known as shot bottles, in a clear glass vase with glass gems for easy serving access. The glass vase allows the mini wines and liquors to serve double duty as an integral part of your party décor and as refreshments.

Things You'll Need

• Clear glass gems, 18 to 22 mm, about one pound
• Clear glass vase, about 12 inches diameter by 12 inches high
• Shot bottles
• Refrigerator

Instructions

1. Fill the vase half full with clear glass gems. According to Home Made Simple, "There are so many shapes and styles of vases to choose from: cylinders, squares, curvy or classic. Whether you have a collection of vases from floral deliveries or have found a few deals at your local home goods store ..." these vases are useful to your décor.

2. 

   Miniature bottles of liquor can be purchased at liquor, wedding supply and mini-bar stocking stores.

   Arrange a layer of shot bottles, bottoms down, on top of the clear, glass gems around the inner side of the glass vase. The necks of the bottles should point upward and outward. Fill any center "hole" created by the circle of bottles with more glass gems. Shot bottles, or miniature liquors, are available for purchase from wedding supply and liquor stores. Some companies offer personalized liquor labels for weddings and parties for an additional fee.

3. Arrange another layer of shot bottles on top of the previous layer of shot bottles, alternating the bottles so the new bottles are positioned on top and between the previous layers. Fill in any "hole" in the center of the ring of bottles with more glass gems. Continue arranging layers of bottles in this stacking pattern around the inside diameter of the vase until the bottlenecks protrude from the top of the vase opening.

4. 

   Use a wide-mouth glass vase for the best results.

   Chill the entire vase with the shot bottles in the refrigerator until party time and then place the centerpiece of the glass vase filled with chilled shot bottles onto the table.

Tips & Warnings

• You can place a clear glass tray onto a table, place the vase with shot bottles onto the tray and pack ice around the vase to keep the entire presentation chilled. You can use different colored glass gems for a seasonal décor, such as red at holiday time, or white and silver for a wedding. Glass fishbowls, large bowls and other glass containers also serve well as "vases" for miniature alcohol displays.

• Don't freeze the glass vase or shot bottles, because the glass will break.

References

• Home Made Simple: Ways to Fill a Glass Vase
• Message on a Bottle: Miniature Alcohol and Wine Products/Bottles

Resources

• MegaGlass: Glass Gems, Marbles, Etc Supplies